Congress – Spicy Peanuts

Congress – Spicy Peanuts /Congress Kadalekalu – Super spicy, roasted and de-skinned groundnuts neatly packed and sold in most Iyangar bakeries. Redolent of the smell of hing, curry leaves generously thrown in, this is an ever popular snack in South India. Have you ever wondered why it is called as Congress Kadalekalu? I have no idea! All I know is that it makes a terrific snack and a wonderful accompaniment to your cup of coffee or tea.

Congress – Spicy Peanuts

Ingredients for Congress – Spicy Peanuts :

2 cups Peanuts

2 to 3 tsp Oil

A generous pinch Hing

1 tsp Red chilli powder

1 tsp Pepper Powder (optional)

1/4 cup Curry leaves

Salt – to taste

Sugar – A tiny pinch to enhance the taste

To prepare Congress – Spicy Peanuts :

Dry roast the peanuts in a skillet over low heat. Be careful as you do not want them to brown. Cool. De-skin, then split them into half.

Heat oil in a skillet. When hot, add the curry leaves and the hing. Turn off the heat.

When the oil cools to warm, add the red chilli powder. (If you add it when the oil is hot, the chilli powder will burn resulting in a terrible taste and unappealing color) Add the sugar and salt, tip in the peanuts. Mix well.